Critics claim that the main opposition Move Forward Party ( MFP) is getting ready to grill the government in a general discussion that could divert attention away from its own dirty laundry.
The MFP has, for the first time, exercised an opposite side’s power, vested in it by the law, after first being anxious to lead the opposite axis.
A standard argument against the federal has been proposed by the party, and it is scheduled to begin early the following year. The televised assault played out in congress promises to put the government on the defensive and perhaps get it in hot water if cabinet ministers fall short of providing clear answers to questions, even though the session never cause any significant harm to the somewhat younger administration since it does not necessitate a no-confidence vote.
Before the May 14 general vote, a public debate was held for the last moment. The Pheu Thai Party, which at the time considered the MFP to be its closest friend, led an antagonism that staged it.
Opponents dismissed the discussion as a fictitious extension of an electoral campaign meant to discredit the coalition parties, led by the Palang Pracharath Party( PPRP ), before the general election.
A common debate can be dangerous to a authorities if it is conducted properly, and the earlier one may have contributed to the decline in popularity experienced by the Prayut Chan-o-cha administration, where the PPRP and United Thai Nation Party affiliated with it were ultimately defeated in the election, finishing in fourth and fifth places, both.
According to watchers, the MFP is holding another public discussion this time in an effort to regain some favorable attention as the proponent of checks and balances and lessen the impact of current allegations of sexual harassment and aggressive behavior against its members.
The very contentious 10, 000-baht digital wallet system, promoted by Pheu Thai, the current ruling party, which may also be the government’s weak point, is likely to become the focus of the discussion.
All over the age of 16 is eligible to receive digital currency through the program, which is estimated to cost at least half a trillion baht to fund.
Pheu Thai contends that the plan, which has been criticized by critics as one of the nation’s biggest wasteful stunts, will unleash an economic stimulus storm for a nation that is in desperate need of an immediate and comprehensive post-pandemic healing.
Although it may be inclined to evaluate the registration of electronic wallet recipients to micro-target those who need it the most, such as low-income earners and the old, Pheu Thai has steadfastly stood its ground despite growing skepticism and openly opposition from experts.
The MFP, which is currently Pheu Thai’s direct competitor, might end up watching the system ‘ popularity decline if it is successful.
According to the observers, the MFP is anticipated to launch a pre-emptive strike against Pheu Thai and divert attention from its own mess during the upcoming public debate.
Perhaps some of its own followers had apparently criticized the MFP for taking too long to respond to damning accusations made against specific group members and MPs over their behavior.
One of them, Prachin Buri MP Wuttiphong Thonglour, is currently the subject of a problem brought by militant Srisuwan Janya with the National Counter Corruption Commission for an alleged violation of MP morality. He was charged with sending improper text messages to the young woman.
Mr. Wuttiphong denies engaging in any illegal activity.
The party executive board suddenly broke its silence on Thursday and declared that Mr. Wuttiphong would be fired.
A renowned separate architect and social beliefs pro named Kittithat Chaiprasit had previously forewarned that MFP silence could be a ticking time bomb for the party in both the short and long terms.
In reference to Mr. Wuttiphong, he claimed that the MP had not apologized or shown any shame before blaming the victim. The situation seemed to be about someone trying to turn” black into white ,” he said, adding salt to the wound.
Party official Parit Wacharasindhu stated that party executives were busy looking into the matter as pressure on the MFP increased and assured them that there wouldn’t be any wrist-slapping.
The official made it clear the MFP does not support cover-ups, admitting the group has been troubled by sexual abuse statements against some members.
According to Mr. Parit, the party’s executive board looked into two prior cases and punished the parties — one for a fight and the other for sexual harassment. The latter was expelled by the group.
Is she on to advance further?
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the head of the Pheu Thai Family, was recently elected as the party’s head, which has sparked a lot of speculation. Some think this will set her up to become prime minister later in the year.
Spectators claim that the rumor that Thaksin Shinawatra’s youngest child, who is currently imprisoned, might become prime minister is not without cause.
Paetongtarn: Trying to land a major work?
Ms. Paetongtarn, who is regarded as being the politically active of her sisters, has served in politics for two years and collaborated strongly with group members on the most recent election campaign. She ran for excellent minister for the party as well.
She has also been chosen to participate in the national committees on soft power development and plan. The position is also widely regarded as preparing the 37-year-old newbie for a long-term political career.
However, the rumors that Ms. Paetongtarn will become prime minister cast doubt on the current leader, Srettha Thavisin, who, according to the spectators, only recently took office.
The electronic wallet coverage, which is widely regarded as a timebomb for him and his management, is the subject of numerous inquiries from the prime minister, who is also the finance minister.
The program, which was immediately scheduled to go into effect in February of next year, could be moved to September instead of being made available to everyone over the age of 16, regardless of their financial situation.
Due to concerns that a common giveaway might weaken financial control, he or she has recommended restrictions on the distribution of digital cash based on income or savings in order to lower the amount needed to fund the plan.
The Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, and United Thai Nation events, Pheu Thai’s key coalition partners, are rumored to not fully support the plan to entice voters during the election plan.
Additionally, senators who rejected Mr. Srettha’s election in the prime ministerial voting will closely examine the online budget scheme from a variety of sectors.
Speak of Ms. Paetongtarn leading the nation can also be attributed to Mr. Srettha, who, according to observers, has spoken very of her ever since she entered politics.
Mr. Srettha made people laugh just before the Oct. 27 party leadership conference when he responded to a writer who addressed him as” Prime Minister.” Which one, Mr. Srettha asked? There are two officials in power.
The comment was made by Mr. Srettha while he was directing cabinet ministers to watch the critically acclaimed film Sap-Pa-Rer ( The Undertaker ).
It is understood that Ms. Paetongtarn, who joined Mr. Srettha at the movie screen to show government policy on promoting soft power growth, was the” other excellent secretary” he was referring to.
Mr. Srettha was one of the well-wishers who gathered at the conference on October 27 to thank Ms. Paetongtarn on her new position. Many people thought back to the movie comment and wondered if Mr. Srettha might resign but Ms. Paetongtarn can take his place shortly after a popular photo in which he appeared to kiss her hand went viral.
Social science teacher Yutthaporn Issarachai, a professor of political science at Sukhothani Thammathirat Open University, doesn’t think Ms. Paetongtarn will take office as prime minister anytime soon.
He thinks Ms. Paetongtarn’s established ascent to the position of leader of Pheu Thai will help her get ready for a run for prime minister following the upcoming general election. If it happens sooner, it will be after the midterm of Mr. Srettha’s leadership in 2025.
However, Mr. Yutthaporn asserts that a change will have an effect on political stability and that Pheu Thai may be hesitant to switch” animals in the middle of the battle” unless absolutely necessary.
” How may Pheu Thai be certain that the allies of the partnership won’t desert it and change their loyalties?” Without any guarantees that a Pheu Thai applicant will be elected, I don’t believe the party will take the chance of changing the prime minister, he said.
But he thinks that the digital wallet system will determine the fate of the Pheu Thai-led government and of Mr. Srettha. If it can’t be implemented, the prime minister will be the one who suffers second, and the Pheu Thai Party’s achievement in the upcoming election is probably doomed.
Mr. Yutthaporn is confident that Pheu Thai may continue with the plan and make significant changes to lessen the financial stress incurred and guarantee that it completely complies with laws and regulations.